John Phillip Wade

John Phillip Wade, 75, of Napoleon, Ohio died Sunday, May 4th, 2025 at Toledo Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Phil was born May 27, 1949 in San Diego, California to the late John B. and Anne C. (Paton) Wade. He was a 1967 graduate of Joplin High School in Joplin, Missouri. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and was honorably discharged in 1970. He had owned and operated the Party Shop in Napoleon for several years. Then worked as a supervisor at ITT Higbie Manufacturing Company in Archbold, and then retired from Alex Products in Ridgeville. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township and Bert G. Taylor American Legion Post 300 of Napoleon. Growing up, Phil’s family lived in many states such as Illinois, California, Oklahoma, Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio. Phil was a High School football standout while at Joplin, and later enjoyed playing in the Old Timer football league in Northwest Ohio. He made lasting friendships while in Joplin and always looked forward to returning for visits. His years in the Marines were during the Vietnam Era, where he was stationed in the Mediterranean. Phil loved his country and his fellow Marines. After serving in the military he moved to Napoleon where he met his wife of 52 years and built his family. Phil also enjoyed time with his friends, playing golf, working with his hands, household projects, and going for cruises in his Corvettes. He also had a love for boating and fishing which was instilled in him from his Dad and Grandfather. He married Mary Ann Rickenberg on August 25, 1973 in Napoleon, Ohio. They had three children, Michelle (Josh) Curtin, Brian (Jennifer) Wade, and Kristen (Brian Fraker) Wade Rausch; grandchildren, Kendall, Killian, and Kelsey Curtin, Grace (Hayden) Howerton, Audrey Wade, Emma Rowland, and Jessa and Wade Rausch, and siblings, James Wade and Janie (Ken) Spille of Cincinnati. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Cindy Wade. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 9th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Napoleon Twp. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home and Friday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the BGT Post 300 or American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com

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John Phillip Wade

May 27, 1949 - May 4, 2025